This quote seemed appropriate for what we’re all trying to cope with right now.

I admit, I’ve been having a hard time managing my anxiety over the past week, and I’m not a naturally anxious person. I’ve been trying to find the right balance between staying informed and not being exposed to coronavirus news and updates 24/7. I’ve been preparing – stocking up on reasonable supplies to get me through a couple of weeks if it comes to that. I’ve been making conscious decisions about where I go, and who I spend my time with.

A bit of good news in all the madness that calmed at least some of my fears was the press release from IDEXX, one of the global leaders in veterinary diagnostics. The company has seen no positive results in pets to date of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus strain responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) respiratory outbreak in humans. Thousands of canine and feline specimens tested surfaced no positive results to date. Read the full press release here.

Also last week, I came across a guided meditation, Ease Coronavirus Anxiety. I felt remarkably calmer after completing the 15-minute meditation, and have been doing it at least once a day since.

…although the coronavirus is very real and deserves attention from you, this moment right now is when you get to decide whether to invite in the facts that will help you navigate your day, or whether you’ll invite in all the emotions of the hurricane.

Remembering this portion of the meditation throughout the day helps me remember that I only have to take in the facts (and it helps if you consider the source when it comes to getting your news.) I can relegate the emotion, including the fear, to the hurricane swirling around outside me.

8 Comments on Sunday Quotes: Fear of the Future

Julie Blaskie

March 15, 2020 at 9:19 pm (3 months ago)

Ingrid, you are not alone trying to keep a balance with all that is around us now. Mitch Albom had a nice piece in the Detroit Free Press asking us what will this bring out in us. I pick and choose what to read as I snuggle with my kitties… Maybe I don’t read all the updates on the numbers to keep fear at bay, but I make sure Ruford, Bella, and Lucky have plenty of food and treats! An escape with a good book is my plan when I am off work.

Melody

March 15, 2020 at 11:30 am (3 months ago)

Really great quote, comforting in a time of confusion and fear. Right now, tests everyone’s true ability at being selfless in the face of fear. Where will we all land, each of us? Will we all stand back and guess what we’ll do or will we take control our actions and be who we all want to be, full of compassion and an insatiable desire to help those in need. I continue to turn towards my furries and let them guide me, that means lots of naps and sunbathing when things get overwhelming!! Join in World! Nothing beats fear like a cat nap!!! Stay well everyone, hang in there!!

Name*

March 15, 2020 at 10:39 am (3 months ago)

I understand the need for caution, but the media carry it too far making it appear worse than it is with their saturation of the airwaves. And when it comes to considering the source of your info, we should be doing that anyway instead of passing on panic-driven misinformation.

Peter Culotta

Eleanor Skibo

March 15, 2020 at 1:18 am (3 months ago)

If we had prepared for today or even tomorrow, then none of us might not be full of fear. However,
over preparedness based on selfishness and greed never leads to truly being prepared, they lead to fear of foolishness. Then foolishness only leads to another place of fear.